Stealthy robbers hit West End bank

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – Thursday’s bank robbers were so stealthy customers were unaware a crime was going down until bank tellers began shouting and locked the doors.

Now Henrico Police are looking for the man that passed a note demanding money at the Wells Fargo off Parham Road.

“When I came in it was like a normal day,” said customer Betsy Ryland.

That was the common sentiment at the bank in Henrico’s West End Thursday.

“While I was waiting, someone jumped up and said ‘We’ve been robbed!’ and started locking the doors. I had no idea what happened. It was really quiet.”

Henrico Police sent out a surveillance picture of a man wearing an Oakland Raiders cap, saying he handed the Wells Fargo teller a note, demanding money. He then walked away quietly. Police believe he had an accomplice.

“As descriptions were broadcast, an officer spotted a man that fit that description,” said Lt. C.J. Maurice. “He has been detained and is now being questioned.”

The robbery comes on the heels of a string of robberies – four in one day—that stretched Metro Richmond police officers thin several weeks ago. Police have made some arrests and say there is nothing to suggest Thursday afternoon’s robbery was connected. Still, police always compare notes and photos.

“It was very low key, uneventful,” said Ryland. “I’m glad it wasn’t like the movies.”

Ryland added she’s thankful the heist didn’t match Hollywood-style hype and was glad she didn’t bring her children with her, which was her original plan.

“It’s terrifying,” she said. “I’m glad they didn’t come.”

A nearby daycare was dismissed about the time of the robbery, so officers were dispatched there to make sure the children were safe.

Police are asking for help: if you recognize the man in the Raiders cap, call Crimestoppers at 804-780-1000.